Quarryville
5th May 2008
Rarely do the laws of nature and man combine to create an enduring accessible resource for the shared benefit of “everyman- ‘the man on the Clapham omnibus’”
Too often, when nature creates precious resources we destroy them too quickly through a system of appropriation based on the economics of scarce resources- which always prices beyond the reach of the common man.
The Quarryville pool located at the head of tide on the Miramichi and its confluence with the Renous is one such rare surviving resource.
A Mecca for “ the fisherman from Moncton- the fisherman on the Clapham Omnibus”, for this pool is the most accommodating and productive piece of public Atlantic Salmon water on the North American continent if not on the planet and you are in my mind, not an ordained angler if you have not made that pilgrimage, rod and wits in hand to this pool .
It is the Miramichi bellweather, “the canary in the mine” pool for the Miramichi system and for public fishing in N.B. It will accommodate 30 -40 Atlantic salmon anglers fishing with the rhythm of a much rehearsed river dance troupe with enough outspoken hoofers interspersed in the chorus to keep everyone in step, even those who may, by inexperience or intent, not fish to the essential cadence of the right of the public fishery.
You should come to Quarryville to be baptized in the sweet water of the Miramichi salmon fishing ; or come to the edge and learn from those congregated on the shore or you can stay in your car and watch from the belfry along the old river road running along the high bank for the full length of the pool. Come on the change of the tide, bring a lunch and stay for the morning or evening
….And yet the note of caution must be struck for if you go and your participation leaves foul words or smudges in the river, on the beach or in the bushes you will be contributing to the demise and loss of this natural gem created and polished by the retreating glaciers 10,000 years ago and managed in modern times cooperatively and organically for the mutual benefit of the public fishers.
© Alex Mills 2008
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